Can Nutritional therapy and IPL help with Rosacea?


What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a condition often misdiagnosed and the causes of this condition is poorly understood. It manifests on the face, especially the cheeks, chin, nose and mid forehead. Although it is not a life threatening condition, it can cause enormous social and psychological problems.

The condition develops gradually. Mild episodes of facial blushing or flushing can lead to a permanent red face. Individuals with fair skin, particularly those of Scottish, Irish or Celtic descent are more predisposed to Rosacea. This condition is commonly known as ‘The curse of the Celts’; although people with darker skins also suffer from Rosacea. Rosacea is more common in women than men and women often develop it earlier in life. However, the condition is generally more severe in men where changes to the texture of the skin, skin thickening and a bulbous enlarged nose may occur(Rhinophyma).

What causes it:

The causes of rosacea is not clearly understood, there are several possibilities but are unproven. There appears to be genetic and environmental factors involved in Rosacea. Frequently there is a history of family members having this condition. Some of the proposed possibilities are vascular irregularities, facial mites & bacteria, the use of steroids and other environmental factors. Hormonal imbalances in perimenopausal women may be a causative factor in vascular instability.

Studies in 1999- 2000 suggested a link between Helicobacter Pylori infection and rosacea. Another theory proposed was the existence of Demodex Folliculorum ( facial mites) as a possible cause. The mite colonizes enlarged Sebaceous follicles that are found in rosacea sufferers.

There are numerous triggers for rosacea flare ups, these can be caused by certain foods, environmental factors such as excessive heat, common medications or other medical conditions.

Nutritional therapy & IPL technology

A Rosacea sufferer will approach a consultation with great trepidation. They will most likely have already seen various doctors and have had numerous treatments recommended by their GP or dermatologist, all to no avail.

IPL becomes the last resort, so by the time the client approaches us they have usually adopted a negative mind-set regarding rosacea treatments. Therefore it is important to address the emotional distress that the person is feeling. Our duty of care in the first instance is to reassure them that they can be helped.

We conduct a full assessment of each clients condition and needs based on the knowledge and experience we have gained over the past decade. There are different wavelengths used and detailed information on how many passes on the face will be done on each treatment. A course of 6 treatments lasting 40 minutes is suggested, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. An area of the face, normally the jaw line is selected for a patch test. More than one wavelength is used in the patch test.

At the Pulse Light Clinic, we have evolved a successful IPL technique using different wavelengths of light to address various aspects of the condition ranging from the vascular components to facial mites. Using the most advanced IPL technology available, The Lumenis M22 IPL machine is capable of producing spectacular results without any downtime, after effects or complications that was once associated with IPL.

Conclusion:

The combination of nutritional therapy and intense pulsed light technology is a safe highly versatile and effective method for the treatment of Rosacea.

The appropriate use of the wavelengths involved in this technology coupled with the technical ability and experience of the practitioner is vital to achieving optimum results.

A mere cosmetic approach to this condition will not suffice, rather years of research, training, expertise and commitment to obtaining long term results is what is required and is the benchmark standard of the Pulse Light Clinic.

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